Leuze is advising manufacturers, machine builders and operators to prepare early for the implementation of the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which will apply from 20 January 2027.

While manufacturers remain responsible for compliance when machinery is first placed on the market, the new regulation expands responsibilities for operators throughout the machine’s operational lifecycle. It introduces requirements covering cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and substantial modifications, with operators making significant changes potentially assuming the role of manufacturer. This can require risk assessments, technical documentation and conformity assessments before modified machinery is returned to service.

With official implementation guidance still developing, many organisations face uncertainty over how the regulation will apply to existing machinery. Leuze therefore recommends that manufacturers and operators begin reviewing their machinery, documentation and modification procedures now.

“As companies prepare for the transition, understanding how the new regulation applies to existing machinery is becoming increasingly important,” says Markus Erdorf, senior safety consultant at Leuze. “Organisations should begin reviewing their machinery, documentation, cybersecurity strategies and modification procedures rather than waiting for the implementation deadline.”

A notable development is the integration of cybersecurity into machinery safety requirements. Organisations will need to protect machinery against unauthorised access, data manipulation and other cyber risks, supported by appropriate risk assessments and documentation. This requires closer collaboration between safety engineers, automation specialists and IT security teams.

Leuze recommends early review of regulatory requirements, close co-operation with machinery manufacturers and system integrators, thorough documentation of safety-related modifications and inspections, and assessment of whether planned changes constitute substantial modifications.

“The responsibility for machine safety no longer ends when equipment is commissioned,” adds Erdorf. “Preparing today will help reduce compliance risks and ensure safe machine operation throughout its lifecycle.”

More information www.leuze.com

FANUC Europe has launched the CRX-3iA collaborative robot, the lightest and smallest model in the CRX portfolio. Weighing just 11 kg and offering a 3 kg payload, the compact, portable and intuitive robot is particularly suited to welding applications, helping address the shortage of skilled welders across Europe.

The CRX-3iA can be carried with one hand, enabling a single operator to supervise multiple welding locations. Its ±0.02 mm repeatability provides the precision required for critical welding tasks, while it can simultaneously manipulate a welding torch and seam-tracking sensor. After relocation, the robot automatically detects its installation angle, identifies weld seam locations and calculates appropriate paths using a third-party laser scanner or touch sensor.

An optional magnetic base allows the CRX-3iA to be secured directly to large steel structures, reducing system complexity compared with traditional robot installations that typically require heavier equipment and additional safeguarding.

As part of FANUC’s CRX series, which extends to 30 kg payload and 1756 mm reach, the CRX-3iA integrates with the company’s established control and software ecosystem. FANUC’s wrist button technology also enables operators to guide and teach positions directly from the robot arm, simplifying programming and reducing changeover times.

Beyond welding, the CRX-3iA is suited to intralogistics and mobile automation. Its low mass and compact footprint make it suitable for mounting on automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for picking, placing and line supply applications. It is also well suited to education and training environments where space is limited.

“Manufacturers need automation that adapts to their environment,” says Paul Ribus, FANUC’s head of sales co-ordination Europe. “The CRX-3iA delivers portability, fast deployment and high repeatability wherever the work is.”

The robot will make its UK debut at FANUC’s open house on 3-4 November.

More information www.fanuc.eu